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Forsyth County Sheriffs Office wins highway safety award

Updated:
Oct. 1, 2015, 1:25 p.m.

FORYSTH COUNTY — The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office was recognized Wednesday with an award from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety.

During its 15th annual Governor’s Challenge Awards in Macton, several law enforcement agencies took home prizes, with Forsyth’s sheriff’s office garnering the first place award for the 251-500 officers category.

The program is an annual recognition for law enforcement agencies of all sizes from all over the state, featuring awards in seven categories based on department size and other designations, according to the GOHS.

Designed to award “outstanding achievements in highway safety enforcement and education,” the awards recognize agencies for the approach and effectiveness of their overall highway safety programs.

In a statement, department director Harris Blackwood said officials were “extremely grateful for the hard work” of the local sheriff’s office.

“I want to congratulate them on their achievement,” he said. “We hope all our winners continue to compete in Governor’s Challenge for years to come.”

Agencies are evaluated on enforcement initiatives, innovative problem-solving in their communities, using public information activities and creating departmental policies that support their traffic enforcement campaign efforts.

Roger Hayes, the office’s director of law enforcement services, noted that the challenge is in its 15thyears.

“One of the reasons we do this it to make sure all these law enforcement agencies know that no matter how large or small, no achievement goes unnoticed,” he said. “These men and women put their lives on the line every day, and we want to recognize them for their continued commitment to highway safety.”